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96 SPX suddenly stops

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tpalm

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I have a 1996 SPX that suddenly stops. I can be running full speed and then the engine stops as if the key was pulled out. When I try to start without pulling off the key, I get a long beep.

I simply pull the key off and then put it back on. I get the double beep and then it starts up again. Sometimes this happens every 5-10 minutes. Other times I can run the entire day without any problems.

I am sure that the key is not coming off. I have even held the key in place with pressure and it will suddenly just stop - again at higher speeds. The ski usually stops when you are at a speed above idle on plane.

I have replaced the key sensor but I am still having the problem. I have put dielectric grease on all of the connections and made sure that the connectors are tight but this has not fixed the problem.

Any ideas on what may be the problem?
 
Yes, the 96 SPX has DESS.

I have replaced the DESS post with a new Seadoo DESS Post direct from the factory (i.e. not a rebuilt) and I still have the problem.

The key is orginal. At first I thought that the key was just loose, however I have held in the key and the machine still suddenly stops

When the SPX suddenly stops and I try to start it without taking off the key I get a long beep. The only time I know of when I get a long beep is when I leave the key on the machine for awhile without starting.
 
After doing a few searches, one long beep seems to be a problem caused by the lanyard/post and the communication to the MPEM. What exactly did you order? And sometimes I hear people say they need a dealer to reprogram them as well, not sure if that applies to our models.

Try searching 1 beep or long beep or something.. Not having much luck myself.
 
I don't have the owners manual anymore.

I ordered the post that the Key pushes on - Part #278000830. It was around $90.00. This didn't fix the problem.

I have tried cleaning the key. Also tried putting dielectric grease on the post and inside the key but neither of these fixed the problem.

I have not had the dealer re-program the key. There are no close dealers around with a programmer.
 
97 spx

I have never had the machine stop at idle. I have also never had it not do a double beep beep when I first put in the lanyard DESS key either from initial start or after suddenly stopping.

After suddenly stopping, I simply remove the key for 5-10 seconds and then push back on the lanyard and get a double beep beep and everything is fine for awhile – this has worked every time.

What kind of communication does the DESS key have with the computer once the machine starts?
 
That seems to tell alot if it can sit there and run perfect at idle with no problems but only gives a problem while driving sounds like a bad connection somewhere thats why it will run fine at idle.
 
my 97 xp did that, then I sold it. The kid I sold it too a week later said he had to put a new MPEM in it he took it to a dealer appaerently and said he cooked it. might be your problem.

I felt bad for the kid but sold it as is and told him about the issue.
 
Josh6t_97xp said:
my 97 xp did that, then I sold it. The kid I sold it too a week later said he had to put a new MPEM in it he took it to a dealer appaerently and said he cooked it. might be your problem.

I felt bad for the kid but sold it as is and told him about the issue.
Click to expand...

thats just the dealer, bend'n the kid over......PRICKS.
 
While it is sitting there at idle running but not driving it, try shaking the wires and harnesses and try light tapping on things untill you find the problem.....
 
its a possibility but he can try tapping it as well to see if thats the problem, he stated that at idle it will run fine with no problems, only while drving is it having problems.
 
custompartsguy said:
its a possibility but he can try tapping it as well to see if thats the problem, he stated that at idle it will run fine with no problems, only while drving is it having problems.
Click to expand...

yeah, cuz ski's bounc'n around, and him mov'n on seat, twist'n, tug'n on landyard, but not knowing it..?
 
Only when driving above idle have I experienced the problem.

I would think that if it was a loose wire that when I pushed on the start button after then machine has stopped with the lanyard still on that nothing would happen (as if the lanyard is not on). However, when I push on the start button I get a long beep.

If it was an electrical short I would also think that pulling the lanyard off and then putting it back on that I would not consistently get the double beep and then be able to start the machine. To date, simply pulling the lanyard off and putting it back on has worked every time.

While the lanyard post is new, the lanyard DESS is the original.
 
tap on your mpem while it is running, you could have a bad mpem as well, that is one of the poss for 1 long beep as well.
 
I had the existing key reprogrammed along with a new key. It has done it one time since the re-programming. Otherwise it has been working for the past 2 weekends.
 
Hi all, I'm new here and am having the EXACT same problem with my 97 SPX. It'll idle just fine, cruise around the lake, then boom, dies. Remove the tether (which is new and programmed correctly), I get two beeps, it fires right up, I ease into the throttle, and dies. On occasion I'll get one long beep. I've had the carbs cleaned and new fuel lines. Whats this MPEM I keep reading about? what does it do? Is it expensive?
 
My guess is that my MPEM computer is still a problem. While the programming may have fixed it for now, it is only a matter of time until it starts failing again on a random basis. Most likely a bad chip in the computer that is temperature, voltage, or vibration sensitive.

For your problem, I would start with a new DESS post before buying a new MPEM. Anyone else have other suggestions ?
 
hi!

i'm new, but we've had skis for a while. i joined because i thought someone might be able to help me with this exact same problem. only this one gives the 12v low warning constantly, even after a fresh charge. has the reprogramming helped significantly? and what kind of price would i be looking at for that?
 
Thanks guys! I'll charge my battery up and take her out this weekend and hopefully won't get stranded with a stalled-out machine like i did last year :/
 
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